Converting Light Fixture Voltage

Changing Light Fixture Voltage: 120 to 220 Volt Light Fixture Conversion, I moved to another country from the US and brought three 120 volt lamps that I would like to use here.

120 to 220 Volt Light Fixture Conversion
[ad#block] Electrical Question: I moved to another country from the USA and brought three 120 volt lamps that I would like to use here.

1. Two of them have dimmers.
2. Do I need to re-wire the lamps, or can I simply use a 220V bulb and an adapter to plug them in?
3. I’ve heard conflicting advice and want to make sure that whichever solution I implement is safe.

Thank you!

This electrical question came from: Mona, a Homeowner from Lincoln, Nebraska.
See more about Home Wiring for Nebraska

Dave the Electrician’s Reply:
Thanks for your electrical question Mona.

Changing Light Fixture Voltage

Application: Lighting Fixture Wiring and Modifications.
Skill Level: Beginner to Intermediate – Best if wired by a Licensed Electrical Contractor.
Tools Required: Basic Electricians Pouch Hand Tools, a non-aluminum ladder and Voltage Tester.
Estimated Time: Depends on personal level experience, ability to work with tools and access to the light fixture wiring.
Precaution: Identify the light circuit, turn it OFF and Tag it with a Note before working with the wiring.
Notice: Changing or modifying the original fixture design may void the UL approval and affect the warranty of the light fixture. Changes in light bulb type must not produce more heat which could damage light fixture components or the area of the light fixture installation.

Light Fixture Voltages

• Mona, because of my experience with voltage adapters in other countries I would remove the 120 volt dimmer switch and bypass the wiring.
• The 220 volt bulbs should be fine as long as the bulb watt rating is within the limitation stated on the light socket.
• The only way I would trust the dimmer switch to work is if it states on the dimmer that it is dual voltage, but I do not think you will see this.

More about Wiring Light Fixtures

Wiring a dimmer switch

• 3 Way Dimmer Switch Wiring Diagram
• Fully explained 3 way dimmer switch wiring diagram will take the mystery out of wiring a 3-way dimmer switch.

Electrical wire

• Electrical Wire for the Home
• Complete listing of electrical wire types and parts used for home projects with electrical code information serves as selection guidelines.

The following may also be helpful for you:

Dave's Guide to Home Electrical Wiring: » You Can Avoid Costly Mistakes! « Wire It Right with the help of my Illustrated Wiring Book Great for any Home Wiring Project. Complete Guide to Home Electrical Wiring Perfect for Homeowners, Students, Handyman, Handy Women, and Electricians Includes: Wiring GFCI Outlets Wiring Home Electric Circuits 120 Volt and 240 Volt Outlet Circuits Wiring Light Switches Wiring 3-Wire and 4-Wire Electric Range Wiring 3-Wire and 4-Wire Dryer Cord and Dryer Outlet Troubleshoot and Repair Electrical Wiring Wiring Methods for Upgrading Electrical Wiring NEC Codes for Home Electrical Wiring ....and much more. Learn more about Home Electrical Wiring with my Online Video Course: Basic Home Electrical Wiring by Example

Be Careful and Be Safe - Never Work on Energized Circuits!
Consult your Local Building Department about Permits and Inspections for all Electric Wiring Projects.

Electrical Tips to Help You Wire it Right The Safest Way to Test Electrical Devices and Identify Electric Wires! The Non-Contact Electrical Tester This is a testing tool that I have had in my personal electrical tool pouch for years, and is the first test tool I grab to help identify electrical wiring. It is a Non-contact tester that I use to easily Detect Voltage in Cables, Cords, Circuit Breakers, Lighting Fixtures, Switches, Outlets and Wires. Simply insert the end of the tester into an outlet, lamp socket, or hold the end of the tester against the wire you wish to test. Very handy and easy to use. The Quickest Way to Check for Faulty Electrical Wiring! The Plug-In Outlet Tester This is the first tool I grab to troubleshoot a problem with outlet circuit wiring. This popular tester is also used by most inspectors to test for power and check the polarity of circuit wiring. It detects probable improper wiring conditions in standard 110-125 VAC outlets Provides 6 probable wiring conditions that are quick and easy to read for ultimate efficiency Lights indicate if wiring is correct and indicator light chart is included Tests standard 3-wire outlets UL Listed Light indicates if wiring is incorrect Very handy and easy to use. Strip Off Wire Insulation without Nicking and Damaging the Electric Wire! The Wire Stripper and Wire Cutter My absolute favorite wire stripping tool that I have had in my personal electrical tool pouch for years, and this is the tool I use to safely strip electrical wires. This handy tool has multiple uses: The wire gauges are shown on the side of the tool so you know which slot to use for stripping insulation. The end of the tool can be used to grip and bend wire which is handy for attaching wire onto the screw terminals of switches and outlets.. The wire stripper will work on both solid and stranded wire. This tool is Very Handy and Easy to Use.

More articles about 220 Volt Country, 220 Volt Wiring, Fixture Questions and Home Electrical Wiring:
« Previous	Next »
Why Bathroom Outlets Stop Working	Understanding Circuit Breaker Ratings and Electrical Loads